The Common Causes of Marital Breakups after the Kids Are Gone
Though the overall divorce rate has declined a bit over the past 20 years, marital breakups involving people over the age of 50—so-called “gray divorce”—have seen a dramatic increase. What are the causes for termination of marriages that have lasted 30, 40 and even 50 years? Most of those involved in gray divorce are financially comfortable and their children are gone, so it’s not about competing parenting styles. Let’s take a closer look.
The Factors that Contribute to the Increasing Gray Divorce Rate
In a study conducted by the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, which concluded in 2021, researchers found that divorce rate for people under the age of 45 has been consistently dropping while the divorce rate for older Americans has been on the rise. In 1990, less than 10% of marriages among people over the age of 50 ended in divorce. By 2019, that rate had multiplied almost five-fold, to 36%.
One of the explanations for the increase has to do with the sheer size of the baby boomer generation. When boomers were younger, they still accounted for the largest percentage of marital breakups and that statistic remains consistent. There are, however, other factors at work:
- Empty nest syndrome—Researchers have long known that children form a the most common bond between their parents. When the children are gone, many spouses suddenly discover that they have little to share with a husband or wife.
- Financial issues—While many older Americans are financially secure, many have also lived beyond their means for most of their adult lives. As they move into retirement or experience less opportunity for career advancement, a moderately tenuous financial condition can quickly become precarious.
- Infidelity—Extramarital affairs are as common among older Americans as any demographic and may be more so, as spouses succumb to the lure of younger partners
- Health issues—When one partner remains healthy and the other does not, it can drive a wedge between them
Contact Experienced Texas Divorce Attorney Chrysandra S. Bowen
At DTX Family Law, we always put your interests first. We know that the legal process can be complex and confusing, and we’ll carefully explain your rights and options, as well as your chances of success, so that you can make good decisions for you and your family. Chrysandra is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor earned by less than one of every ten family law attorneys in the state. To schedule an appointment with a proven and effective Texas family lawyer, visit our new website or call our offices at 940-566-0606.
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